Rolex Air-King 5500
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Rolex Air-King 5500
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1945, in the turmoil of the Second World War, Rolex released the Air-King to honor the British Royal Air Force.
The Air-King is one of the oldest lines of Rolex watches. With its pure, minimalist design and function it has become a true cult classic. The ref. 5500, with its new calibers 1520 and 1530, was introduced in 1957 and stayed in production for 37 years. The ones with calibre 1530 had the text 'Super Precision' on the dial, while the ones that used the calibre 1520 had 'Precision' or no text on the dial. So, this example houses the calibre 1520.
The stainless steel case measures 34 mm in diameter, which is slightly smaller than most men’s models, such as the Datejust and Day-Date. However, thanks to its no-nonsense design, it is an impressive and very masculine timepiece. When it comes to functionality, the watch is just as clean since it has no additional features but showing the time. This reference 5500, dating back to 1989, has a silver dial which looks very clean.
Introduction
Rolex Air-KingThe RAF pilots were honored for their duty in 1945, when Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf named a series of Oyster watches after them. The Air-Lion, Air-Giant and Air-Tiger might not sound familiar as they were discontinued shortly after production. However there is one model still being produced, even after 70 years: the Air-King. Over the years Rolex kept refining the Air-King and they continued to issue new reference numbers. All the different reference numbers have somethings in common. They are all simple designs, executed in steel, and with a no-nonsense reliable movement. Although it has always been among the least costly models from Rolex, it is loved by many watch enthusiasts.
Specifications
- SKU 5367
- Bezel material
- Bracelet
- Caliber
- Case Dimensions
- Case Material
- Clasp
- Dial
- Glass
- Index
- Model
- Movement
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Reference
5500
- Year